Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his grand and visually stunning films, created a cinematic masterpiece with Bajirao Mastani. Released in 2015, the film featured an ensemble cast, including Ranveer Singh as Peshwa Bajirao, Deepika Padukone as Mastani, and Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai, Bajirao’s first wife. While the film was a massive success, a lingering question remained in the minds of many fans: Why didn’t Priyanka Chopra play the role of Mastani?
Priyanka’s Response to Playing Kashibai
Recently, an old interview clip resurfaced where a journalist asked Priyanka Chopra why she didn’t take on the role of Mastani. Her response was both witty and insightful. Priyanka said, “So many flowers have been sent to me for the role of Kashibai that my house looks like a garden. Have you seen the film? Why would I? Didn’t you like Kashi? Seeing my house has become a garden.”
Priyanka’s portrayal of Kashibai, though with less screen time than Mastani, left a lasting impact. Her character’s emotional depth and strength resonated with the audience, making Kashibai one of the most memorable roles in her career. The line, “Aap humse humari jaan mang liya hum khushi dete, lekin aapne to humse hamara gurur hi cheen liya,” became iconic, showcasing her talent for delivering powerful dialogues.
The Struggles Behind the Role
Despite the praise she received, Priyanka’s journey to becoming Kashibai wasn’t easy. Ranveer Singh, her co-star, once revealed in an interview that Priyanka wanted to quit the film just three days after the shoot began. The reason? She was overwhelmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s intense and unique style of direction. Priyanka was reportedly in tears on set, struggling to adapt to Bhansali’s vision and demands.
Priyanka herself has admitted that playing Kashibai was one of the most challenging roles of her career at that time. She even shared on social media that she often didn’t realize how exhausting the day’s work was until she lay down to rest. The emotional and physical demands of the role were immense, yet Priyanka pushed through, delivering a performance that earned her critical acclaim.
Kashibai: A Role That Defined Priyanka
Priyanka’s decision to play Kashibai instead of Mastani may have surprised some, but it ultimately proved to be the right choice. The role allowed her to showcase a different side of her acting abilities, one that combined vulnerability with quiet strength. Her performance added depth to the film, balancing the intense love story between Bajirao and Mastani with the poignant tale of a wife grappling with her husband’s newfound love.
While Deepika Padukone shone as Mastani, Priyanka’s Kashibai brought a sense of authenticity and emotional gravitas to the film. It’s clear that Priyanka’s choice wasn’t just about screen time or being the central character; it was about taking on a role that challenged her and allowed her to grow as an artist.
